India is ‘Oyster’ of global dairy: Singh

Radha Mohan Singh, on the occasion of National Milk Day said India is the ‘Oyster’ of the global dairy industry with opportunities galore for the entrepreneurs globally.

“Since last 15 years, India continues to be the largest producer of milk in the world. This phenomenal increase is contributed to the several measures initiated by the Government of India to increase the productivity of livestock” claimed the Minister.

Shri Singh said milk production increased by 18.81% in 2016-17 compared to 2013-14. Similarly, the per capita availability of milk increased from 307 gram in 2013-14 to 351 gram in 2016-17.

On this occasion the Minister said that Livestock sector contributes significantly towards livelihoods and security net for the landless and marginal farmers. About 70 million rural households are engaged in dairying in India with 80% of total cow population.

Singh informed that the Government has initiated a number of dairy development schemes so that the enhanced demand due to variety of factors is met through domestic sources by laying special focus on raising milk production through improved productivity of our dairy animals.